Ernst Urges CDC to Help Safely Reopen Schools, Follow the Science
The Iowa senator is calling for the CDC to update its guidelines in light of scientific research and data showing low community transmission in schools
WASHINGTON – In light of scientific research showing low community transmission of COVID-19 in schools, especially among younger children, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to follow the science and revise its guidelines to help schools reopen.
Ernst and other lawmakers sent a letter
to the CDC, saying: “
We write to express our concern for the well-being of American families with school-aged children. A fully remote or hybrid model of K-12 education is straining the mental health of parents, students, and teachers while simultaneously increasing developmental, learning, and economic losses.
They go on to write, “ If the reopening of schools is not achieved, American families and students will only continue to suffer, as there will be even larger developmental, learning, and economic losses. We ask that the CDC revise these recommendations, and urge you and other acting administration officials to work in coordination with, not against, states and local education agencies so that schools can promptly reopen in accord with the scientific evidence that has signaled it is safe to do so when proper precautionary measures are put into place.”
They go on to write, “ If the reopening of schools is not achieved, American families and students will only continue to suffer, as there will be even larger developmental, learning, and economic losses. We ask that the CDC revise these recommendations, and urge you and other acting administration officials to work in coordination with, not against, states and local education agencies so that schools can promptly reopen in accord with the scientific evidence that has signaled it is safe to do so when proper precautionary measures are put into place.”
Senator Ernst helped introduce the
Put Students First Act of 2021, legislation which would prohibit federal funding to schools that do not provide an in-person learning option by April 30, 2021, and has
spoken on the Senate Floor in support of following the science and safely getting kids back into the classroom.
Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) led the letter to the CDC. Read the full letter
here.
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